A police inspector has announced a blitz on boy racers and boozy teenagers.

Inspector Chris Ball is putting extra officers on the beat this weekend to target trouble spots in Haywards Heath.

Some residents have supported Operation Storm but others fear it will be another quick-fix solution.

Mr Ball, who took over the post three weeks ago, said he wanted to tackle the fear of crime and youth disorder.

He said: "The extra officers will be targeting hot spot areas of the town, enforcing confiscation of alcohol, misuse of drugs and engaging with the town's youth."

The police would also be seeking to work with residents and community groups in the area to address problems.

Mr Ball said: "There is a lot of good work already taking place in residents' groups and I will fully support these and any other initiatives to improve the quality of life for the residents of Haywards Heath."

One of the areas to be targeted is Ashenground where locals have found bongs used to smoke cannabis and other evidence of drug abuse.

Police will confiscate drugs and alcohol and, if necessary, seize vehicles under new antisocial behaviour laws.

But Peter Fitzgerald, chairman of the Ashenground Residents' Association, doubted the operation would have lasting results.

He said: "There are problems in this area and I am glad something is being done. But is anyone asking why young people are behaving in this way, or what the root causes are?

"Perhaps we are not listening to them? Launching these operations is a bit like putting a sticky plaster on a burst water pipe, and they always make the news.

"The trouble makers, who represent a very, very small minority, know the police do not have the manpower and the resources to continue targeting them."

Mr Fitzgerald said the problems had been exaggerated by some residents who were tarring all youngsters with the same brush.